Winter's a wonderful time to visit Chester Zoo.
Winter brings a quieter, more peaceful feel to the zoo - ideal for watching animals, exploring tropical habitats and joining a Zoo Ranger talk.
We’ve pulled together a suggested itinerary with seasonal highlights - from winter wildlife to warm indoor spaces - to help you plan your perfect visit.
10:30am - Discover our newest arrivals
Winter mornings are quiet and calm - perfect for catching a glimpse of the zoo’s newest arrvials.
Two young Northeast African cheetah brothers have recently arrived at the zoo.
A Critically Endangered Bornean orangutan born to mum Leia in October.
The zoo's first ever snow leopard cub, now exploring her Himalayan habitat with mum Nubra.
The UK's only fossa pups born this year - vital additions to the European breeding programme.
11:30am - Look out for winter wildlife
As you make your way around the zoo, take a moment to notice animals adapted to cooler climates.
Andean bears are more active in cooler weather, and you might spot red pandas playing in the frost. Snow leopards have thick coats designed for cold mountain habitats, making winter a great time to see them.
2pm - Explore our indoor spaces
Keep warm indoors and see what’s happening in more than ten habitats across the zoo.
Many have a warm, tropical climate - including Monsoon Forest and Tropical Realm - making them the perfect places to explore on a winter day.
Explore the UK’s largest indoor rainforest, home to orangutans, macaques, Sunda gharials, free-flying birds and more.
A warm and immersive habitat with rare reptiles, colourful frogs, and exotic birds.
More than 30 species of free-flying butterflies, exotic plants and a calming waterfall.
Jaguars are the third largest of the big cats - can you spot them? You’ll also find sloths, red-bellied piranhas, spiders and frogs.
Encounter locusts, dung beetles, naked mole rats and rare reptiles, including the critically endangered African pancake tortoise.
Come face to face with the world’s largest lizards, the powerful and prehistoric Komodo dragons.
A free-flying bat cave where you'll find Seba’s short-tailed and Rodrigues fruit bats.
3pm - Continue exploring
For families - let the kids burn off some energy
If you're visiting with children, there are play areas dotted across the zoo. Treetop Challenge, Madagascar Play and Nature Play are great spots to let them climb, explore and take a break from animal spotting.
Walk through our award winning gardens
Take a peaceful wander through our zoological gardens. The flowers may not all be in bloom, but as frost sparkles on the leaves, you'll find hardy winter plants and bursts of colour along the quieter paths.
4:30pm - Stay late for Lanterns & Light
See the zoo in a whole new light - completely different to the day.
More than just a light trail, Lanterns & Light transforms the zoo into a glowing after-dark adventure.
Wander through tunnels of ribbons and bubbles, meet giant animal puppets, and step into immersive worlds like the Laser Garden and Airquarium.
With festive food, fairground rides and brilliant surprises around every corner, it’s a night to remember.
Runs 14 November to 3 January.
